Long Head Biceps Tendon as An Alternative Graft for Shoulder Superior Capsular Reconstruction: a Case Report

Abstract

Large and massive rotator cuff tears can be irreparable and pose significant treatment challenge. Superior capsular reconstruction has been reported as an option to treat such injury, and may effectively maintain superior stability and prevent progression into rotator cuff arthropathy. Several authors had introduced long head of biceps tendon as a graft alternative to original tensor fascia latae or higher-cost dermal allograft. We reported a post-operative significant improvement in clinical range of motion and radiograph acromiohumeral distance in a 64 year old male with massive rotator cuff tear treated with superior capsular reconstruction using long head of biceps tendon, in combination with partial repair of rotator cuff. We believe that long head biceps of tendon may serves as a viable and effective graft option for superior shoulder reconstruction.